Here we are. 2016. It’s hard to believe The Compassionate Equestrian began as a concept four years ago, and now, thanks to countless hours of dialogue between coauthors, writing, and Trafalgar Square Books, it is in print, and continuing to receive wonderful reviews in major magazines. It is only the beginning however, and this year will be a call to action for all those who wish to make this a better world for horses. Yes, it’s a big book, with a big vision, and we need your help to see it through.
The world does not change overnight, but the process begins with a focus on positive action. On the initial press release for the book, and on the back cover, we ask, “If Changing the Way You Work With Horses Could Change the World…Would You Do It?” This begs a strong reflection on the part of the horse owner/rider/trainer.
What do we mean by “change” the way we work with horses, when most of us already feel that we are compassionate and kind to our horses? How many of us really see the big picture though? How much time do we spend looking inward before we approach our horses and other people at our barns, shows, or riding events? Are we ready to deepen our compassion and recognize the suffering of many horses, and take action in a non-violent manner to help alleviate their suffering? This means taking a non-judgmental approach, and leaving the ego behind. In an ego-driven business, this can be difficult. Just browse through social media sites on equine welfare and training for a quick primer on the hostility and angry verbiage that ensues when one party disagrees with another. It is understandable that people are very sensitive to pain in animals. Therefore, if we can come from a compassionate heart and mind that we have taken time to develop, it is possible, according to our 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation, to change the equestrian world to a happier, healthier place for all.
In 2015, as people read the book, we began receiving feedback about how quickly their own approach to training, clients, and their horses was changing as a result of applying the Principles. The “Pledge Stamp” above is the start of The Compassionate Equestrian Movement and pending Network…a digital channel for videos and further education and discussions regarding the compassionate process for barns and individuals. We are thrilled about the discussion groups and new boarding clauses that have been developed by some readers to date. Several trainers have purchased a copy for each of their students, and others have added The Compassionate Equestrian to their reading list as part of their programs. We thank everyone immensely for taking these steps! Essentially, the book may be used as a textbook for every discipline, and every style of riding, as support for a well-thought-out program of horsemanship that also involves study off the horse.
So, what sparked the title of the first TCE blog in awhile? We have discussed a number of ways to bring more organizations and individuals into the fledgling CE Movement, and I was prompted by a headline advertising a CTV show that will be available in full online after January 4th, should you wish to view it in its entirety. It is titled “How to Change the World,” and it is the story of the history of Greenpeace. The organization made headlines, beginning with actions and protests that started in my hometown of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, in the 1970s. Perhaps something in the water here? Kidding aside, the beauty of this environment calls us into a deeper caring when its pristine wilderness is threatened, and the potential for loss is heightened. We, as ordinary citizens, have proven time and time again, that a handful of people really can start a movement that affects and changes the world in very profound ways. We love horses. We love their beauty, their “heart,” and the extraordinary ways in which they can change lives. Are they not worth the effort to protect and dignify their existence on this Earth?
CTV How To Change the World Documentary
While, of course, we do not recommend the kind of activity that would put people and/or horses in danger (showing up at equestrian events with bullhorns and signs of protest is not a good idea!), we most certainly do recommend that everyone who would like to see horses benefit from a compassionate method of training and handling take up the idea of introducing The 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation to those who need it most, in the most respectable and thoughtful approach possible.
What will 2016 bring? We would love to see the Compassionate Movement grow and blossom into a community of horse-people around the world who feel that equine welfare could benefit from a different approach…one based on a specific set of Principles that cover all bases—from a process of personal reflection to “Compassion for the Global Herd.” All horses, all breeds, all disciplines, and all situations, including horses used in therapeutic programs and those used for working animals on farms and as a primary means of transportation. No stone left unturned for our beloved animals.
We look forward to hearing from you! Good health and happiness to you all!
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The Compassionate Equestrian blog is written by TCE coauthor Susan Gordon unless otherwise noted. Dr. Schoen’s personal blog and website may be found at http://www.drschoen.com
About the blogger:
Susan Gordon is 55 years old and lives on Salt Spring Island, B.C., Canada. She turned professional as a rider in 1983, upon the invitation of Maclay champion (1973), the late Michael Patrick. Susan trained eventing, hunter, jumper and dressage horses, apprenticing with other top trainers in her chosen disciplines. She taught freelance from 2002 until retiring in 2010, bringing elements of meditation practice, music, dance, art, and an interest in non-invasive, holistic therapies to her work with students and their horses. She has since completed courses in sustainability (University of British Columbia and University of Guelph), and documentary filmmaking (Pull Focus Film School, Vancouver). She is a nationally ranked competitive masters and age-group runner in the 400m track to ½ Marathon Road Race distances. The Compassionate Equestrian is her first book. Her second book also released in June 2015: Iridescent Silence of the Pacific Shores (Gordon/D. Wahlsten 2015), a book of abstract water photography with a strong environmental statement, and DVD featuring original Orca calls and music composed by Ron Gordon, Ph.D.
The Compassionate Equestrian 